Contemporary Finnish literature is more diverse than ever before. Voices of the Arctic North will descend upon Paris in November when award-winning Finnish authors Merja Mäki and Iida Turpeinen visit the Petit Palais museum on Wednesday, November 19 from 4:00–5:15 PM. A discussion titled Arctic Female Voices will be moderated by award-winning French translator of Finnish literature Claire Saint-Germain. Afterwards, there will be an opportunity to purchase books signed by the authors. The event is free of charge. A warm welcome to the afternoon of Finnish literature!
Iida Turpeinen’s award-winning novel Beasts of the Sea (À la recherche du vivant, Éditions Autrement, in French translation by Sébastien Cagnoli) explores how humans have exploited nature throughout history in ways that have led to the extinction of species. In doing so, it follows the compelling stories of Steller’s sea cow and three distinct individuals from different centuries who are connected to it. Turpeinen’s bestselling novel has already been sold to 28 language territories.
Merja Mäki’s award-winning novel Before the Birds (Quand les oiseaux reviendront, Éditions Leduc, in French translation by Fantine Brunel) has captivated readers with its powerful, moving account of the everyday life of a young evacuee in the midst of war, surrounded by grief and uncertainty. Mäki has described her writing about war as peace work. Both authors bring history to life in remarkably unique ways through their stunning fictional prose.
On the same day, a Finnish literature evening Voix féminines de l’Arctique will also be organised for social media influencers, bookstagrammers, literary journalists, publishers, translators and other book-industry professionals at the Embassy of Finland in France from 6:30 to 8:30 PM. You are most warmly welcome to join us!
Both events are arranged in collaboration with the Embassy and the French publishing houses Autrement and Leduc. The event at the Petit Palais is part of the newly opened exhibition dedicated to Pekka Halonen.
Tiia Strandén and Hannele Jyrkkä from FILI will take part in these literary events.
For registration and further information about the programmes, please contact Hannele Jyrkkä,